Federal Affairs Director

Who we are

The problem: Every minute matters in fire response. As climate change amplifies the intensity of wildfires—with longer fire seasons, dryer fuels, and faster winds—new ignitions spread faster and put more communities at risk. Today, most wildfires are detected by bystanders and reported via 911, meaning it can take hours to detect a fire, verify its exact location and size, and dispatch first responders. Fire authorities need a faster way to detect, confirm, and pinpoint fires so that they can quickly respond—preventing small flare-ups from becoming devastating infernos.

About Pano: Pano is a venture-backed early-stage climate tech startup that is the leader in wildfire early detection, leveraging the latest advancements in IoT, AI, satellites, and SaaS software to deliver actionable intelligence to customers. Pano leverages mountaintop cameras and satellites to detect the first traces of smoke and put real-time fire images in the hands of asset owners and first responders to speed up containment. Pano is already partnering with major utilities, fire authorities, and government agencies in the USA and Australia. Recent media coverage includes being named one of the Top 10 most innovative companies in AI of 2023 by FastCompany and recipient of the Innovative Mobile Service and Application Award at Mobile World Congress through our partnership with T-Mobile.

Pano brings together a diverse team bridging frontline, wildland firefighting experience with best-in-class know-how in operations, logistics, artificial intelligence, and software. Our team is composed of experienced technology professionals from companies such as Apple, Cisco, Nest, DoorDash and Meta. Headquartered in San Francisco with an office and factory in the Mission District, our hybrid team works from locations around the world. Founded in mid-2020, we’ve raised over $40M from leading VC funds. 

The Role 

We’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and dynamic Federal Affairs Director to drive Pano’s federal government relations efforts. This role will be pivotal in shaping wildfire detection policy, securing government funding, and fostering bipartisan support for the rapid adoption of AI-driven fire detection technologies. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of federal legislative and executive processes, the ability to build strong relationships across key government agencies, and experience in and passion for leveraging technology to address the growing wildfire crisis. 

What you’ll do

• Craft and execute federal strategy to promote broad adoption of AI-driven wildfire detection technology; advocate for legislation, appropriations, and executive action, developing and executing strategies to secure government funding and support for Pano deployments.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Members of Congress, relevant committees and staff to support Pano’s priorities; cultivate bipartisan champions in Congress.
• Develop strong relationships across the administration and federal government, including relevant appointees and career leaders at USDA, the Department of the Interior, and the White House; build and maintain relationships with career staff at the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other relevant agencies; and identify and cultivate new opportunities with other agencies confronting wildfire.
• Oversee a team of contract lobbyists, consultants, and other external partners, ensuring strategic alignment and impact.
• Build and manage coalitions, activating and engaging with stakeholders, industry partners, non-profits, and government entities to align with Pano’s mission; organize events, events, and direct engagements to showcase Pano’s technology to policymakers and stakeholders.
• Analyze wildfire policy trends and generate materials, memos, reports, white papers, and testimony to influence key decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to align campaign efforts with overall business goals, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 7-10+ years of experience in federal government affairs, public policy, or related roles, with a strong focus on public safety, technology, and environmental policy.
• Demonstrated success in legislative advocacy, coalition building, and government funding strategies at the federal level.
• Strong network of relationships within Congress, federal agencies, and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and project management skills.
• A get-it-done approach to rolling up your sleeves, doing the work, engaging iteratively and entrepreneurially, and achieving impact. 
• A deep commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to address climate-related challenges, particularly wildfires.

Pano is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and supporting our team-members regardless of where they come from. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.